The Birds–one of the most terrifying thrillers directed by Alfred Hitchcock–marks the 60th anniversary of the film’s 1963 release. The master of suspense is at it again. Over 20 years after winning an Oscar for Rebecca, Hitchcock turns to Daphne du Maurier once again. One element to appreciate is how Hitchcock uses comedy to build up to the eventual suspense. But even though there is no shortage of sheer terror on display in the thriller, it…
"The Birds: Alfred Hitchcock Thriller Marks 60th Anniversary"Category: Movie Reviews
Black Sunday, the 1977 terrorism thriller directed by John Frankenheimer, gets a new Blu-ray release by way of Arrow Video. Arrow Video presents the thriller on the new Blu-ray in 1080p HD. There are two options for audiences to listen to the film. One is in its original restored lossless mono audio, which is being presented for the first time on Blu-ray. Audiences also have the option of choosing between restored lossless 5.1 and 2.0…
"Black Sunday: Terrorism Thriller Gets A New Blu-ray"
Suspicion is one of four Alfred Hitchcock films to star Cary Grant but Joan Fontaine earns the only acting Oscar in Hitchcock’s filmography. While North by Northwest is my favorite Hitchcock film, Suspicion is where it all began for Grant’s relationship with the filmmaker. Their relationship might have started sooner but Grant’s schedule meant not being able to star in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Given their similar backgrounds from growing up in England, it’s no…
"Suspicion: A Romantic Psychological Thriller"
Strangers on a Train is another thrilling Alfred Hitchcock classic and sits in its rightful place in the upper tier of his filmography. Is there anything that the master of suspense cannot do? Hitchcock and cinematographer Robert Burks are on command in every single frame of the film starting with the focus on the shoes. Burks earns an Oscar nomination for his cinematography and let me tell you, he absolutely deserves it. This is Hitchcock’s…
"Strangers on a Train: Another Thrilling Hitchcock Classic"
All About Eve features a trio of powerhouse performances from Oscar winners Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, and Celeste Holm. “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.” – Margo Channing (Bette Davis) While Joseph L. Mankiewicz bookends the film with the fictitious Sarah Siddons Society honoring Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter), the film quickly jumps into her backstory. Mankiewicz presents Eve’s climb through the eyes of three different characters. Anyway, Harrington was a big…
"All About Eve: One of the Greatest Films Ever Made"
While an extended version came out in 2005, The Outsiders marks the 40th anniversary of its original theatrical release in 1983. “When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman, and a ride home.” – Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell) I’ve had the 4K UHD edition of both The Outsiders and The Outsiders – The Complete Novel on hand…
"The Outsiders Marks 40th Anniversary"
Splendor in the Grass earned a Best Actress nomination for Natalie Wood while also propelling newcomer Warren Beatty to stardom. “Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind.” – William Wordsworth in “Ode: Intimations of Immortality” File this viewing under better late than never. It’s been sitting on my DVR for quite some time but…
"Splendor in the Grass Navigates Teen Love and Heartbreak"
Florence Pugh delivers one of the best performances of her career as Zach Braff’s A Good Person will leave audiences with all the feelings. A Good Person is not an easy film to watch. It deals with injuries, grief, and the trauma that comes with both of them. You can make the argument that there’s something of a happy ending but this two-hour-plus film does not have an easy path in reaching the point. But…
"A Good Person Has All The Feelings"
The Conversation is a provocative thriller from Francis Ford Coppola that reminds us of the fine line between technology and privacy. Technology frequently comes with a cost and this film is no exception. Rather than focus on the eavesdropping victims, Coppola’s focus is on the eavesdropper himself. One can make an argument about the similarities with both political thriller Enemy of the State and comic book masterpiece The Dark Knight with how it treats privacy…
"The Conversation: Francis Ford Coppola’s Masterpiece"
The Oscar-nominated Rear Window isn’t just one of Alfred Hitchcock’s best films but one of the greatest thrillers ever made. I was late to watching Hitchcock films for the most part. Up until the pandemic, Rear Window and North by Northwest were probably among the few Hitchcock films that I’ve watched. But even then, I put off Psycho for several years with the thought that it was a horror film and not a psychological thriller.…
"Rear Window: One of the Greatest Thrillers Ever Made"